In between last night’s occasionally-thrilling NBA action, did anyone switch over to the news channels to track the heated Pennsylvania Democratic primary? This is a historical situation; Charles Barkley would forgive you. We’ve once-again tabbed political aficionado Jon Schnaars to recap the night for us, and here’s the jist: the democratic election process is beyond absurd, and it’s going to come down to the Super Delegates (read: some 25-year kid working at your local Blockbuster who couldn’t point out Iraq on a map and who bought a house with an interest-only loan in 2007 because his waiter at Chili’s told him it was a good idea, has a vote that matters much, much more than you do). Jon’s words after the jump.

Last night, the state of Pennsylvania had its chance to act as the host of the long-winded reality show competition we call a Democratic Primary. As the end of this most recent episode drew near, the two remaining competitors arrived for the elimination ceremony. When everyone was ready Pennsylvania stood and stared hard at the two remaining contestants. He looked back and forth, from one to the other, then spoke:

“Senator Clinton, will you please stand.” As she stood, he continued to address her ominously. “You’ve fought a hard fight, and your fans have pulled hard for you. Your opponent, Senator Obama has said some nasty things about you, and you’ve said some nasty things about him. I’m sure you’re incredibly drained.”

Pennsylvania paused then to add drama as the cameras pulled in tight on both contestants. They stared stoically ahead in an attempt to project strength, even as it seemed one of their journeys would end.

After an interminable beat, the host continued with affectation: “I’m happy to say Senator, that your journey does not end here on this stage.” Clinton looked around wildly at nothing in particular at first, but then swung around to stare agape at Senator Obama, who has really begun to sweat. Just as she was about to talk, Pennsylvania stepped nearer to both of them. “No, Senator, both of you will continue to the next elimination ceremony.” Pennsylvania then spun to face the camera. “Here we come North Carolina and Indiana! We’ll see you in two week America!”

And cue the theme music.

Pennsylvania, as many forecasted, went to Senator Clinton. The results—Clinton winning 55 percent of the vote to Obama’s 45 percent—were maybe not as huge as Team Clinton would have hoped, but are still significant. Ultimately, this episode has ended in another cliffhanger, and the race now turns to Indiana and North Carolina, who will go to the polls on May 6th. Here’s what to expect between now and then:

Clinton Talks About Electability – Depending on whether you include Florida or not, Clinton will go into next week’s races down by roughly 200,000 popular votes (w/ FL) or by 500,000 popular votes (without). She also has almost no chance of catching Obama in the pledged delegate count. That means her only clear path to the nomination remains convincing the super delegates, of whom a little less than one third remain uncommitted, that she is more electable in November than Obama.

Follow The Money – Obama outspent Clinton by a wide margin in PA, setting a record in the process. Of course, he had a lot more money to spend. Clinton’s campaign has been on the ropes in the fundraising department, but this victory will likely give her a bump. The question is whether it will be enough to keep her competitive next week, where she’s already down in NC, and facing a tight race in Indiana.

Obama Hangs Tight – Obama is in a tough position. He remains ahead, but has been greatly weakened by a month that has seen him receive several black eyes. Obama continues though, to hold a 10-point lead in the national poll, and continues to poll slightly better than Clinton against McCain. He’s going to take a PR beating over the next couple of days for the PA loss, but if things go his way on the 6th, then PA’s theatrics may be for naught. The only real course of action for Team Obama then is continuing to raise money and put their message out there in hopes that traction stays strong.

This past month has been the longest period of campaigning without a contest, and this is one election follower who’s glad it’s over. Lost in all the debate over the last four weeks about who can (or can’t) bowl or who can drink a shot of whiskey is the fact that we’re trying to decide who will be the next President of our country. Here’s hoping that both Democratic candidates, as well as Senator McCain, get back to talking about the issues that are affecting our country and stay off the low road.